Health

Interested in leasing an allotment?

12 January 2016 0 Comments

allotment photoAshford Borough Council (ABC) currently have several vacant plots at Musgrove Farm, Musgrove New and Christchurch Road Allotments. If you would be interested in taking on a plot at either of these sites please contact Eileen Law of ABC on 01233 330528 as soon as possible as these plots will be let on a first come first served basis.

As part of ABC’s approach to healthy living they have a number of allotment sites, with over 400 plots throughout Ashford, that residents find very popular. Plot sizes are approximately 125 sq m (around 5 perch) and currently cost in the region of 22p per sq m (£5.50 per perch or £27.50 per year per 5 perch plot). The exact cost of a plot is determined by its size. ABC offer a concessionary rate of 50% off for the first 5 Perch and full price thereafter to residents claiming certain types of benefit and for those residents in receipt of state pensions. All our allotment sites have water points. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, Health, News

Kent urged to keep warm and well

11 January 2016 0 Comments

Kent County CouncilWith cold and wintry weather predicted over the next few days, families across Kent are being urged to follow a few simple measures to keep their loved ones safe and healthy.

Prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone although vulnerable people, including the elderly and children under five, are particularly at risk and common sense advice can help in severe weather, both at home or out and about. (more…)

Health, Kent County Council, News, Safety

Kent parents encouraged to get Sugar Smart

7 January 2016 2 Comments

Sugar Smart by change 4 lifeA new campaign has been launched, encouraging Kent parents to get “Sugar Smart” and take control of their children’s sugar intake.

The Change4Life campaign follows revelations that four-to-10 year olds consume an estimated 5,500 sugar cubes a year (22kg), weighing the same as an average five-year-old.

Currently, 22.5% of four to five-year-olds are overweight or obese in Kent, increasing to 33% in 10 to 11-year-olds. This means they are more likely to become obese adults who are more prone to a range of serious health problems, such as heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Nationally, there are now 2.5 million people suffering from Type 2 diabetes, 90% of which are overweight or obese.

A new Sugar Smart app has been launched nationally to help parents to see how much sugar there is in everyday food and drink. The free app works by scanning the barcode of products and revealing the amount of total sugar it contains in cubes and grams. (more…)

Health, Kent County Council, News

Dental Care for Babies and Toddlers

6 January 2016 0 Comments

AshfordCCsDid you know 27.9% of 5 year olds have tooth decay requiring surgery for tooth removal?

Oral Health experts will be visiting our groups to support families with advice on brushing babies and young children’s teeth, dummies, and lots more.

The team will be attending the following sessions:

  • Willow Centre Under 1’s group: Monday, February 1st 2016
  • Ray Allen Parent & Toddler: Tuesday, February 2nd 2016
  • Willow Centre Family Club: Wednesday, March 2nd 2016

If you require further guidance please contact your local Children’s Centre

Please watch out for future updates of further Oral Health support sessions.

Children, Health, News

Young Parents

29 December 2015 0 Comments

Are you aged 13 – 19 years, have a child under 5 or are pregnant?

Are you a dad or dad to be?

Starting Monday 11th January 2015, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
at the Willow Centre, Brookfield Road, TN23 4EY

Working alongside the midwifery teenage clinic, with regular input from the health visiting team and other partners.

  • Meet new friends
  • Confidence building
  • Messy play
  • Baby massage
  • Sexual Health
  • Antenatal and post-natal skills
  • Housing

For further information contact a member of Ashford Children’s Centres Early Help Team on 03000 410305

Children, Health, News

Think pharmacy in Ashford during the festive period

22 December 2015 0 Comments

Ashford CCGLocal pharmacies can offer a wealth of health support and should be the first port of call for common illnesses such as coughs and colds over the festive period.

That’s the message from NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which is urging people across Ashford, Tenterden and the surrounding area to think of their pharmacy first for common minor ailments.

Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of the CCG, said: “At this time of year, many people get colds and visit their GP, when in reality a quick trip to the pharmacy is what they need.”

Pharmacies can provide much more than just a prescription. They can advise on minor ailments and how to use medications effectively and safely. (more…)

Health, News

Calling your doctor

21 December 2015 0 Comments

Ashford CCGPeople in Ashford are being reminded that GPs can often discuss symptoms over the phone – without the need to make a face-to-face appointment.

Clinical Chair of NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Navin Kumta, said: “Many patients believe that a face-to-face appointment with a GP is essential. But in many cases, the GP – who has access to a patient’s notes – is experienced enough to make a diagnosis of the condition over the phone.

“This can save patients the time and trouble of having to get to a surgery. It can also mean that you can avoid a GP surgery that may be full of patients coughing and sneezing and passing on germs. (more…)

Health, News